March 26, 2026
See below questions asked by the Chamber, and the following "responses" from the listed candidate.
Candidate: Bob Swanson
Running for: Incumbent for District 29, Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors
Collaboration and Regional Leadership: Many issues — from economic growth to environmental protection — require collaboration beyond the county’s borders. How would you work with other governments and stakeholders (the City of Eau Claire, City of Altoona, surrounding counties, the state government, and local tribes) to advance common goals? Please give specific examples, such as partnering with cities on shared services or infrastructure projects, collaborating with school districts on youth programs, or advocating at the state level for legislation that benefits Eau Claire County. Additionally, how will you engage with constituents and the business community to ensure the County’s policies reflect the needs of Eau Claire County?
Response: "Aside from county board meetings in which board members vote on resolutions affecting all county activities, most of the work is done in committees. One of the committees I serve on is Extension. In Extension, we support leaders who are involved in the school food education programs (called Snap Education). They primarily address making healthy food choices which promotes healthy communities. Another important task is continuing education of farmers regarding the use of nitrogen on fields to keep our groundwater safer. Also, Extension is involved in promoting 4H in our schools which impacts rural and urban children as well as the communities they live in."
Workforce and Economic Development: What steps do you think Eau Claire County should take to alleviate the worker shortage impacting our region’s economy? In your answer, consider both the County’s role as an employer (how to fill critical positions like in public safety or human services) and its role in the broader economy (supporting job training programs, childcare access, or transportation for workers). How would you, as a County Board member, work with the business community and educational institutions to grow and retain a skilled workforce in Eau Claire County?
Response: "There is a relatively high turnover of employees working for the county. The main reason for this is low wages relative to the public sector. As a board, we have supported modest cost of living raises for employees as well as merit increases for above average work. I also believe we need to grow our workforce. One way we do this is to promote our city and county parks. I have supported improvements to our parks and facilities in the parks. People move into a community because they like accessible schools, good roads, and safe streets. Also, I have supported growing our immigrant base. People aren’t having enough children to replace our aging population. We need more people who are educated, and we need more people willing to do jobs the educated work force is unwilling to do."
Housing Availability: Housing affordability and availability are vital for our workforce and community stability. What actions can the County Board take to support the development of more affordable and workforce housing in Eau Claire County? Would you advocate for County policies that incentivize housing development (for example, utilizing idle county-owned land, adjusting zoning in rural areas for housing, or collaborating with cities on housing projects)? Please share your approach to addressing housing needs across the county, including smaller communities and rural areas.
Response: "I have supported giving assistance to entities that promote affordable housing, and housing the homeless. We have partnered with other agencies that support the Sojourner House and the Day Resource Center. The Day Resource Center, for instance, is only a couple of months old but is already receiving rave reviews from local businesses for reaching out to the unhoused. Also, we know affordable housing for modest to low income people in our community is an issue. A recent housing initiative sponsored by Altoona dug deep into this issue recently. It’s not a problem easily solved, but requires hard work and collaboration by private and governmental agencies in the county. I think one avenue which hasn’t been explored enough is seeking vacant buildings or motels which could house people looking for housing."
Fiscal Responsibility: Eau Claire County has encountered budget deficits in recent years. How would you approach the county budget to ensure fiscal responsibility and taxpayer value? Discuss your stance on spending priorities and potential cost-saving reforms – for instance, are there services that could be delivered more efficiently, or areas where you see potential revenue growth (through grants, partnerships, or economic growth) to avoid placing the burden on property taxpayers? If state funding remains flat, what tough choices would you consider to keep the budget balanced?
Response: "In our last budget cycle, thanks to the leadership of the Finance department and administrator, a budget was passed which resulted in leveling the county property tax while still making important investments in the infrastructure for the county. The wheel tax is often pointed to as a burden on the taxpayer, but every dollar that goes into the wheel tax account is spent on maintaining our county roads. As a member of the Finance and Budget Committee, I have advocated for investing in our community while still keeping our county taxes at a level which is palatable to the residents we represent. I like hearing from my constituents that the county is maintaining a healthy balance between investments in their community and the taxes that support it."
Business Climate and Infrastructure: In what ways can the County Board foster a healthy business climate and support economic development? Please address county services or policies that impact local businesses – such as maintaining and improving county highways and infrastructure, supporting broadband expansion, ensuring timely zoning and permitting processes, and any economic development programs the county should pursue. How will you ensure that Eau Claire County is seen as a partner to businesses and not an obstacle?
Health and Human Services/Public Health: What are your priorities for the County’s health and human services programs? With health and human services comprising the largest share of the budget, how will you ensure we effectively address issues like mental health care, the opioid/fentanyl crisis, care for seniors and veterans, and public health preparedness? Do you support current initiatives (such as expanding crisis mental health training or treatment programs) and what new initiatives, if any, would you champion to improve community health outcomes?
Response: "I believe everyone supports good roads, smooth bike paths, clean water, and health facilities which promote our well being. We have gotten some support from state and federal grants. As a board, we have supported working with our state and federal partners to address these needs. We have backed proposals to build a new hospital in Chippewa County. This is a result of working together with local and county partners. Our largest county department is Health and Human Services. They are the main safety net for members of our community dealing with with mental health issues, affordable housing issues, and drug addiction to name a few. It is in the best interests of all community members to recognize the importance of this department. It’s imperative that state, federal and local dollars continue to support this important unit of our government."
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